Abidjan, June 1, 2026 – The recent Mother’s Day celebration in Aboisso captured significant media attention this Monday, notably due to the prominent presence of former First Ladies Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo, who joined current First Lady Dominique Ouattara for the festivities.
Concurrently, the 81st birthday of former President Laurent Gbagbo also garnered considerable coverage across various publications. Beyond these two major events, national political life, the activities of the PDCI-RDA party, and economic developments also featured in the day’s headlines.
The Mother’s Day celebration emerged as the dominant theme in the press. One publication notably highlighted the « retrouvailles des première Dames à Aboisso : le bel exemple » (reunion of First Ladies in Aboisso: a beautiful example), while another underscored the presence of « Henriette Bédié et Simone Gbagbo aux côtés de Dominique Ouattara : message fort d’unité à Aboisso » (Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo alongside Dominique Ouattara: a strong message of unity in Aboisso). Similarly, a prominent daily suggested that « Mmes Ouattara, Bédié et Gbagbo magnifient la cohésion sociale » (Mmes Ouattara, Bédié, and Gbagbo magnify social cohesion).
Further emphasizing the event, a daily reported First Lady Dominique Ouattara’s address to women in Aboisso, where she declared, « vous êtes les bâtisseuses silencieuses de notre société » (you are the silent builders of our society), while also noting the tributes paid to Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo. Another major newspaper also covered this significant gathering, featuring the headline: « Dominique Ouattara, Henriette Bédié et Simone Gbagbo font la fête » (Dominique Ouattara, Henriette Bédié, and Simone Gbagbo celebrate), before delving into « Comment les porteuses de l’humanité ont été célébrées » (How the bearers of humanity were honored).
Beyond the Mother’s Day events, the birthday of former head of state Laurent Gbagbo also received special attention in numerous newspapers. One publication reported that « le Président Laurent Gbagbo a soufflé ses 81 bougies » (President Laurent Gbagbo blew out his 81 candles), while another reflected on his career with the poignant title: « 81 ans, 40 ans de vie politique, Laurent Gbagbo hélas ! » (81 years, 40 years of political life, Laurent Gbagbo alas!).
Another prominent daily paid tribute to Gbagbo, presenting him as « Il a soufflé ses 81 bougies hier 31 mai 2026. Laurent Gbagbo, l’extraordinaire survivant de la politique ivoirienne » (He blew out his 81 candles yesterday, May 31, 2026. Laurent Gbagbo, the extraordinary survivor of Ivorian politics).
In other news, coverage extended to the 80th anniversary celebration of the PDCI-RDA, noting a « Grande mobilisation de la zone EST pour Thiam » (large mobilization from the East zone for Thiam). On the economic and institutional front, a publication featured a headline declaring: « La BCEAO « fournisseur officiel » de Premier ministre » (The BCEAO ‘official supplier’ of the Prime Minister).
Finally, one daily delved into criticisms targeting certain government figures, posing the question in its headline: « Pourquoi TBO, Anne Oulotto et Dimba dérangent » (Why TBO, Anne Oulotto, and Dimba are causing discomfort).
